April 16, 2024

À Bientôt

I started my blog Maya's Musings in January 2014, over ten years ago. Discounting the "bots" from Singapore (80k views over the last year seems suspicious when my blog's lifetime views total 212k over ten years), I see about 20 views per post. I am grateful for those views, but—unfortunately—the time of the blog is over. Recent marketing and promotion tips for writers have been putting more emphasis on the newsletter. I have worked to build my list since December 2014 and have about 1,000 subscribers. If you have enjoyed my blog over the last ten years and are not yet a newsletter subscriber, I encourage you to subscribe here. On a quarterly or so basis, I aim to provide a balance of interesting tidbits and authorly updates plus contests and giveaways.

I am reluctant to say "good-bye" to the blog that helped form the foundation of my author platform. But I acknowledge that in this ever-evolving world, author blogs have begun to be obsolete. Today, I have a website (which I am in the process of overhauling—change is good), and I supplement my Internet presence by participating in the various social media platforms.

I started my journey because I wanted to write and publish a book. I accomplished that goal and found deep personal satisfaction. Over the last ten years, I have learned so much about myself. And I've continued to write and publish books. Writing is a passion project for me. I am not a financially successful author, but—luckily for me—I use other metrics to measure my success. When a reader tells me that they've enjoyed my book. When a reader conveys how I've impacted their life. When a reader posts a five-star review. That is success.

I am here to tell a story. I will continue to tell my stories. And, maybe someday, I will return to Maya's Musings.


February 27, 2024

#TirgearrTuesday

Forbidden love... A union between a fairy and a wizard poses a threat to an ancient feud. But peace between fairies and wizards is possible. The child of a fairy and a wizard could reunite the factions of The Annunaki and end the unrest. However, the fairies don't want peace, putting Amelie and Niall's son in danger. Is love enough for Niall and Amelie to have a future, and will their son unite their people in peace?

Excerpt from A Magical's Gift


The heavy conversation hung in the air as thick as the humidity. Amelie understood the pain of losing a parent, but what could she say to comfort Niall? “I didn’t mean to intrude, Niall. Professional hazard? My subjects are usually less lively.”

 

He let out an unrestrained chuckle. “Amelie, you have a wonderful sense of humor.”

 

“I’ve been accused of many things, Niall. Having a sense of humor is not one of them.”

 

He smirked, communicating an entire conversation with the knowing look in his eyes.

 

She blushed under his direct perusal. “If you didn’t come with the high school tours, what brought you to the university today?”

 

He looked away as if trying to conceal his discomfort. When he turned to face her, he wore a hesitant look on his face, biting at his bottom lip in a way she just knew was out of character. “It’s foolish. I had a fight with my father. He wants me to join the family business. I don’t.”

 

Niall paused, but Amelie could see he wanted to confide in her, so she waited for him to continue.

 

“I parked at the edge of campus and wandered around for a bit. When I saw the large crowd outside the hall, I got curious.”

 

She muffled a giggle behind her hand. “I bet you were surprised you’d walked into an anthropology information session.”

 

“I won’t lie. It was the last thing I expected.”



The Magicals Series:

February 20, 2024

#TirgearrTuesday

If only your dreams could come true with a Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo…

Becoming the legal guardian for his half-sisters puts a wrench in Drew's college plans. Photo-shopped nudes of Seraphina threaten her promising singing career.

 

Sounds like a job for a Fairy Godmother.


Excerpt from A Fairy Godmother's Redemption

 

            “Just be yourself, man.” Ryan bopped him in the shoulder. “Go with the flow. You’re off to a decent start, letting her pick you up.”

            “What can I say?” Drew shrugged. “It’s the ’90s—almost a new millennium—and I’m a modern guy.”

            A knock came from the apartment’s exterior door. Ryan reached it first, swinging it open. “Come in, come in. You must be the talented Seraphina Jacobs. Of course, you are. I recognize you from MTV.” Ryan flashed a look of awe, coupled with desperation, at Drew. “I’m Drew’s friend, Ryan.”

            Drew watched Ryan fawn over Sera, holding back his laughter. This is priceless. He rolled his eyes and mouthed, “MTV?”

            Unaware of the second conversation happening between the guys, Sera extended her hand to Ryan. “Nice to meet you, Ryan.”

            “And what are your intentions toward our boy?”

            Drew shot Ryan a murderous look. “Ryan!” With a quick wave at the girls, he ushered Sera toward the door.

            “Don’t keep him out too late.” Ryan’s chuckle followed them out the door.

            Once outside, Drew felt a sudden bout of shyness. He’d talked to Sera on the phone every night since he’d asked her out, but having her here, seeing her in real life. Her inquisitive blue eyes held him captive.

            “You look beautiful.” Drew cringed at the clichéd phrase, even though it was absolutely true. Sera dressed casually—wearing an off-the-shoulder floral, rose blouse with bell sleeves, tan linen pants, and rose heels—but the overall look was stunning.

            She smiled, looking pleased. “Where are we going?”

            “The best pizza joint in the city.” He rhymed off directions as she pulled out of the parking lot.

            “Any preference for music?”

            Drew chuckled. “You mean you don’t play your tunes in the car?”



The Magicals Series:






February 13, 2024

#TirgearrTuesday

Fairy princess Alina Lehrer sets out to reclaim the crown stolen from her family more than a century ago. In order to complete her quest, she must face her demons and win over the assassin Rylan Jackson assigned to eliminate her. Fate has placed Alina and Rylan on opposing sides, but fate is not set in stone.

Excerpt from A Fairy's Quest

I’m going to Paris, the city of love. Maybe I’ll even have a passionate love affair. 

“Bonsoir.”


Alina jerked her head up at the sound of the stranger’s lilting French accent. “Hello.” Hello, handsome. Did my imagination conjure this hunk?

 

“First trip to Paris?” His pronunciation of “pah-rhee” rolled off his tongue like honey.

 

“Yes.” Alina twisted in her seat to get a better look. Her perceptive eyes sized up her companion. He was a gorgeous specimen of a man. Dark brown, shaggy hair. Hypnotic brown eyes. Strong jawline. Just a hint of stubble, like he had shaved that morning. Stop staring. “What gave it away?”

 

“The guidebook in your tote?”

 

“Yeah. That’ll do it.”

 

“Business or pleasure?”

 

Alina flashed him a suspicious “you’re a stranger, I’m not telling you anything” look.

 

He threw his arms up in mock defeat. “I am Rylan Jackson.” He extended his hand.

 

“A—” Wait a minute. I don’t need to give him a real name. It’s a good time as any to try on a new persona. “Allie.” She picked an alias, not so different than her real name, before reaching out to shake his hand. His hand was warm, rough, like he used his hands to make a living. Touching him sent a buzz of awareness swirling through her body.

 

“Now, we are friends, oui?”

 

His sultry smile disarmed her objections to the friendly conversation. It can’t hurt to flirt a little while I wait for my flight. It’ll be good practice.



The Magicals Series:



February 6, 2024

#TirgearrTuesday

Dreams or duty? Leaving The Circle would give wizard apprentice Kurtis Warde the freedom to follow his own dreams, and to pursue vampiress, Dee. But there is unrest in the magical world—a long-time feud between wizards and fairies—that threatens everyone Kurtis cares about.

Excerpt from A Wizard's Choice

“Waldor.” Emotion—relief and love—flooded Kurtis’ voice. He released the breath he’d unconsciously held, scanning Waldor for obvious injury.
 
“I’m in one piece, Kurtis.” Waldor pushed past him to unlock the cottage. “You can quit being a fusspot.”
 
Kurtis chuckled at Waldor’s mock irritation, unfazed by his grandfather’s gruff ways. They didn’t need to exchange words to know how relieved they both were for the other’s safety.
 
Waldor filled the kettle and, a moment later, the sound of a cheery whistle blasted from the small kitchen. Kurtis joined Waldor at the table. They sat in silence, wrapping their large hands around mugs of steaming tea.
 
“The kind of potent brew you need after a night like this to settle your thoughts.”
 
Kurtis grunted in response.
 
“What’s on your mind, my boy?”
 
What do I tell Waldor? Conflicted thoughts swirled around in his brain. Am I really that transparent?
 
Waldor smiled as if he knew all Kurtis’ secrets. “I know you. I raised you from a little baby.”
 
“I know.” He scowled, guilt gnawing at the lining in his stomach. How can I tell him? How can I break his heart? Like my father.
 
Waldor took his time to sip his tea as if waiting for Kurtis to open up.
 
Will I ever have the courage to leave? He cast a mournful eye around the small cottage, the only home he’d ever known. “Where is my father? Do you know?”
 
Waldor recoiled, looking like he’d been punched in the gut. “I don’t know.”
 
What do you know? What are you keeping from me? Kurtis paused before asking his next question, torn between his aversion to causing Waldor pain and desire for finding answers. “Do you know…Who is my mother?”
 
Something akin to fear, shame perhaps, lurked in Waldor’s eyes. He focused his intense gaze on Kurtis. “Yes.”


Buy Now

The Magicals Series:

A Vampire's Tale
A Wizard's Choice
A Fairy's Quest
A Fairy Godmother's Redemption
A Magical's Gift




January 30, 2024

#TirgearrTuesday

Ancient and powerful vampire Corgan has been influencing struggling writer Marisa's life path. He wants to tell his story, before ending his existence, and chooses her to author his tale. But it’s complicated. Corgan knows his request will place her in grave danger. She doesn't.

Excerpt from A Vampire’s Tale

“Okay, Corgan Halton. Are you real?” She typed the name into a search engine.

“As real as you are.” The distinctive male voice resonated in the otherwise quiet room.

Marisa froze. She didn't dare turn around. It was her overactive imagination at play. There was no one there. She hoped. Maybe one of her friends? Is this a joke?

“Not a joke, Marisa.”

Gasping, she stood and spun around toward the sound of his voice.

As he stepped out of the shadows, she took in the man before her. Pale with black, curly hair, dressed in an impeccable suit. Dark and intimidating, he stood in her living room, shrinking the already small space.

Exactly as she’d imagined. She conjured him from her imagination? No… This is not happening.

She rubbed her unbelieving eyes. There couldn't actually be anyone there. When did she last eat? Did low blood sugar cause hallucinations?

He smiled at her, and the temperature in the room dropped several degrees.

“Who are you?” she demanded.

“Corgan Halton.” He gave a courtly bow. “At your service.”

No… She stared at him in shocked silence. It isn't possible.

“I assure you, my dear, it's entirely possible.”

“Do you read minds, too?” She held her breath and waited for his reply.

“You tell me. You're the vampire expert.”

Vampire? He’s a vampire?

January 23, 2024

Tropes and Clichés

If I said something was a trope, I think most people would assume me—an author and avid reader—would mean a literary trope. You know... one of the hundreds of themes used in romance novels like enemies to lovers; fake relationship; marriage of convenience; opposites attract; or there's only one bed!

But, actually a 'literary trope' means the use of figurative language and 'trope' means the same thing—a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression. And a trope is actually the same thing as a cliché. cliché is defined as an overused word or phrase to the point that the original meaning is lost or the current use is irritating.

I enjoy a clever cliché even though some purists think the use equates to lazy writing. Clichés are relevant (in my opinion) because people use them in real life. Think outside the boxEvery cloud has its silver liningThere's no "I" in team. These sayings hold water because they are often applicable. So... I like to play a little fast and dirty with the unwritten 'no cliché' rule... giving my characters some creative leeway...

Honestly, the use of tropes in romance is a useful device for building expectation. What happens when 'there's only one bed'? And, if you want to get technical, what we commonly call a trope is actually a 'literary theme'.

Takeaway? You can use the words 'trope' and 'cliché' interchangeably; and a romance novel trope is actually a literary theme.

What's your favorite literary theme? If you're an author and a reader, is your favorite literary theme the same for both activities?

Do I have a favorite literary theme? Too many choices...

If you like to pick your next read by literary theme, here's a Maya Tyler cheat sheet: